Chapter 61

“Revealing my identity isn’t difficult,” Emma thought. “But after exposure, Liam will become suspicious, and it will cause a lot of trouble. If I don’t save myself, the cybercrime and student data charges could mean at least three years in prison.”

Just as Emma wrestled with this dilemma, a knock sounded on the interrogation room door.

“Mr. Hayden, we’ve found new information regarding the student data case,” a police officer announced.

Emma raised her eyebrows. The interrogator echoed her surprise, “New information?”

“Yeah,” the officer replied. “It’s them!” He ushered in two people.

Emma looked up. Kate, gritting her teeth, entered, followed by Vere, who maintained a calm demeanor.

“Vere?” Emma exclaimed, surprised.

Vere’s usually arrogant face held a trace of guilt. Emma instantly understood: this involved Vere.

Vere sat down, addressing Emma directly. “Emma, I’m sorry. You once helped me, but I framed you for my own gain. I’m ready to confess everything.”

Kate gritted her teeth. Her warning glare at Vere was ignored.

The police officer addressed Kate. “Everyone is equal before the law, Miss Johnson. Don’t even think about using force. Vere, tell us everything. We will be fair and just.”

Vere recounted the entire story truthfully: his hacking of the student database, Kate’s threats, and his framing of Emma by attributing the activity traces to her network address.

Throughout Vere’s confession, Emma listened calmly, arms crossed, legs elegantly extended. Kate, however, was agitated.

“Vere, you’re falsely accusing me! How could I threaten you? They’re working together to frame me! I’m a good citizen, I have plenty of money—why would I sell this data? They’re just trying to smear me!” Kate exclaimed, producing documents.

Emma was surprised. “I didn’t expect Kate to uncover that internet browsing loophole from years ago in the countryside,” she thought. “Fortunately, I didn’t do anything wrong back then. I just browsed the black market, leaving no trace of transactions. Otherwise, this would be much worse! I need Josiah to thoroughly screen and wipe all that information next time!”

The police examined the documents, frowning. They mused, “Regardless, accessing the black market is explicitly prohibited.” Emma and Vere were both highly intelligent, making the police wary, yet still suspicious of their innocence.

Then Vere produced his phone and played a recording. Kate’s voice filled the room: “[This is a world where the strong prey on the weak. If you don’t frame Emma today, you’ll be the one in jail tomorrow. Besides, Emma is a hacker. You’re just helping to put her in jail.]”

Kate’s eyes widened. “This… you…” she stammered. “He never intended to betray Emma,” she realized. “He played dumb, lowered my guard, and then turned the tables!” Her face paled.

The recording continued, revealing Vere’s voice: “[But she’s never harmed anyone! You sold the data; you should be in jail!]” Then Kate’s voice: “[Of course, I handled everything. The police will go to your school tomorrow. One of you will face serious consequences.]”

Kate was flustered. “It’s not like that… Sir, let me explain…”

She fought desperately to send Emma to jail, acutely aware of the price she’d pay if Vere turned against her.

“Vere, you tricked me!” she shrieked. “I’ll kill you…”

Kate, losing control, grabbed a pen and lunged at Vere. The officers reacted, but too late. They saw the pen mere millimeters from Vere's head.

Then, with startling speed, Emma seized the pen, twisting Kate's wrist. A sharp crack echoed through the room; Kate’s wrist was broken. A scream filled the interrogation room as Kate wept in agony.

The police quickly apprehended her. The situation, though frightening, ended without further harm. Though shocked by Emma’s swift intervention, the officers found no fault; Kate had attempted murder.

“Miss Wilson, thank you for your quick reaction,” an officer said. They were skilled officers, but Kate’s attack was sudden and unexpected. Without Emma, Vere would have been killed.

Emma replied indifferently, “It’s nothing. Kate has a habit of harming others and a vengeful personality. I hope you deal with her appropriately.”

The officer responded, “Miss Wilson, we’ll report her transaction records immediately. As for Vere…”

Vere hung his head. “I stole the data. I’ll accept any punishment.” He’d come prepared to go to jail.

The officer, noting his cooperative attitude, said, “We’re following procedure. You can go for now. We’ll continue the investigation and inform you of any updates.”

Vere nodded. The interrogation concluded. Emma was released; Vere awaited the outcome; Kate was taken away.

Evening arrived as they left the station, a light drizzle falling. Emma walked leisurely, seemingly unaffected. Vere, hurrying after her with an umbrella, called out, “Emma!”

She stopped, but didn't turn. Vere, his emotions raw, approached. “Where do you live? It’s raining. May I walk you home?” His help hadn’t come easily.

The girl under the umbrella turned. Emma, hands in her pockets, said calmly, “Vere, I have a question for you. What made you change your mind and turn yourself in?”